Ponds can be a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But if you’ve noticed something fishy about your pond, it might not be as relaxing as you think. A bad smell coming from your pond could indicate that there is an issue with the water balance in the pond.
The smell can be caused by different factors but the most common reason is algae growth. Luckily there are many ways to get rid of the smell in your pond and it’s never too late to start cleaning them out and getting back on track with keeping your water healthy and clean. Read more for some helpful tips.
Why does my pond smell like sewage?
While pond owners are normally aware of any bad smell in their pond, there are usually some signs to look out for when it comes to this problem.
The water may have a musty or putrid smell – like something rotting under the surface. If you notice bubbles on the surface that keep bursting, then you may also be experiencing a methane gas buildup, which is another sign of a bad smell.
Another reason why your pond could smell fishy is because of an algae bloom. Algae grows when there’s too much nitrogen in the water and a lack of proper circulation, which is very common during the summer months. If this happens to you, start looking into ways to eliminate the excess nutrients from your pond.
Most ponds have a few fish but if you’ve introduced too many that your pond can’t support then this could also be a reason why the smell of the pond may not be as pleasant as it once was.
Taking care of your pond and the surrounding areas will help prevent any bad smells from developing in the future. If you don’t like what you smell, then it’s time to start taking action.
How can I get rid of a bad smell in my pond?
If your pond has an excess amount of algae, you may think about using an algae treatment product that will help eliminate the excess nutrients and get rid of the bad smell. You can also add some fish that are known to eat algae like catfish or koi.
Fish waste is another cause of a bad smell in ponds. The waste and decaying matter will also attract mosquitoes so if you want to get rid of the bad smell, it’ll also be good for your pond ecosystem if you remove some fish or plants that may have been causing the smell.
One thing all gardeners should know is that water can become stagnant very quickly which can lead to algae blooms and other undesirable issues. Make sure you’re using a good pond aerator or water feature on your pond to ensure there are always moving currents of water in the pond which can help eliminate the bad smell from your fishy water.
If you’ve noticed that there is a gas buildup, the first thing you should do is get rid of any dead fish or plants that may be the cause of the problem and make sure you have a stable pond temperature. You may also want to try clearing out some of the debris in your pond which will help improve circulation.
How to treat a smelly pond?
If you have a smelly pond, then you’ll need to take steps to clean up the water.
1. Get rid of any dead fish or plants
The first thing you should do is get rid of any dead fish or plants that may be the cause of the problem and make sure you have a stable pond temperature. You may also want to try clearing out some of the debris in your pond which will help improve circulation.
2. Use a good pond aerator
Make sure you’re using a good pond aerator or water feature on your pond to ensure there are always moving currents of water in the pond which can help eliminate the bad smell from your fishy water.
3. Improve water quality
If this doesn’t provide relief then go back to the basics and look into improving water quality in your pond as this can often resolve any bad smell problems quickly.
4. Improve water circulation
Your pond will need a constant flow of water flowing through it but if you don’t have this, then try adding a pump or a bigger filter to create a current in the pond.
This is especially important during the summer months when algae blooms are more likely as poor circulation can be the reason why your fishy-smelling water is developing.
5. Clean the bottom of your pond
After doing this, dump the water away from your property as it may also carry some contaminants and bacteria into your nearby soil.
6. Reduce fish population
If you have too many fish in a small pond then they will produce a lot of waste which will be broken down by microorganisms to create smelly ammonia which will lead to the development of algae.
If this is an issue, then you should gradually remove some fish from your pond until it’s at a level where it can be maintained for longer without needing extra cleaning or treatment.
The importance of aeration in ponds
A pond aerator is a device used to gently circulate water in a body of water – usually an outdoor pond. This process helps with warming the water and oxygenating it for increased plant and fish health.
Pumping air into the pond will increase dissolved oxygen levels, thereby reducing the possibility of algae blooms. Oxygenated water should not be confused with aerated water.
Aeration is the process of adding oxygen to a liquid, such as water. In aeration, the air is actually pumped into the pond which increases oxygen levels and helps prevent algae blooms and other harmful organisms from growing in your pond.
Summary
Ponds can be a very beautiful addition to your property and they can provide hours of relaxation. However, if you notice that the water is starting to smell bad or there’s an excess amount of algae in it then these conditions are not only unattractive but unhealthy for your fish as well.
A smelly pond should never be ignored because this could lead to bigger problems down the road like nutrient overloads which will cause more algae blooms and other issues such as dead fish.
References:
Pond Algae: It’s Not All Bad – https://extension.psu.edu/pond-algae-its-not-all-bad
